China, U.S. start high-profile events to mark 30th annivesary of diplomatic ties

Source: Xinhua | 01-12-2009 18:30

BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States on Monday kicked off a series of activities to mark their three decades' work of building one of the world's most crucial bilateral relationships.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (2nd R, front) and his  wife Rosalynn Carte visit the photo exhibition marking the  30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties between China  and the United States in Beijing Jan. 12, 2009. The  exhibition kicked off here on Monday.(Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

"Like a scroll of vivid historic scenes, these pictures showcased significant progresses in the 30-year China-U.S relations and deeply inspired us," Chinese President Hu Jintao said in a congratulatory message set to a photo exhibition marking the relations.

With 360 pictures recalling milestones in bilateral relations, the photo exhibition on Monday drew nearly 200 people from the two countries, including some key figures in forging relations like former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

"It is very nostalgic," said former U.S. ambassador to Beijing Winston Lord, a member of the U.S. delegation during Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit to China in 1972.

In his address, U.S President George W. Bush said the past 30 years had "strengthened the bonds between the two countries."

Bush said he personally witnessed China's transformation over the past three decades. "In 1975 I saw a nation just beginning its journey of modernization. In 2008, I was proud to watch Beijing host a successful and thrilling Olympic Games."